Topic
Infrastructure
2,546 speeches · 378 speakers
Party share
By the speaker's party · counts only, no scoring. "Unattributed" = speeches not resolved to an MP.
Most active on this topic
| # | Member | Speeches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, M.P. JJB | 137 |
| 2 | Hon. Kumara Jayakody, M.P. JJB | 105 |
| 3 | Hon. Anura Karunathilaka, M.P. JJB | 83 |
| 4 | Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, M.P. NDF | 76 |
| 5 | Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe, M.P. JJB | 62 |
| 6 | Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam, M.P. ITAK | 47 |
| 7 | Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, M.P. JJB | 46 |
| 8 | Hon. Ajith P. Perera, M.P. SJB | 43 |
| 9 | Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena, M.P. JJB | 36 |
| 10 | Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, M.P. JJB | 34 |
Speeches
2,546 on this topic- 12 March 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama raised an Adjournment Matter on the salinity barrier constructed in 2022 in the lower reaches of the Nilwala River in Matara, stating that it has worsened flooding and disrupted livelihoods, transport, paddy cultivation and other activities across six downstream Divisional Secretary’s Divisions. He said the project had disregarded EIA and technical recommendations, reduced the river cross-section, and led to costly temporary measures, including over Rs. 100 million spent on pumping water. He called for an immediate joint process involving the Department of Irrigation, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka, and farmer organizations to agree and implement corrective measures. Adjournment Motion: Mitigation of Floods Caused by Nilwala Salinity Barrier Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Piyathissa – Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government had provided farmer relief within its first 100 days without resorting to borrowing, excessive taxation or money printing, citing Rs. 952 million paid to 53,511 farming families for flood damage and Rs. 12.28 billion paid in Ampara for the 2024-2025 Maha season. He rejected claims that the Eastern Province was neglected, listing allocations for Gal Oya, Mundeni Aru, Maha Oya, potable water, flood control and reservoir fisheries, as well as measures to reduce wildlife-related crop damage. He also noted that decisions on the Heda Oya project had been taken by the Ampara and Monaragala District Coordinating Committees and called for coordinated implementation. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. Riyas Farook JJB AI summary Hon. Riyas Farook welcomed the Minister’s commitments to address wild elephant issues and flooding in Akurana, arguing that the Akurana problem stems from decades of canal-bank encroachment enabled by successive governments and political patronage. He said the current Government, in office for three months, is pursuing action through multiple agencies, including seeking University of Peradeniya engineering input and allocating Rs. 22 million to the SLLDC for a feasibility study, after earlier reports were not implemented. He also stated that the Government is addressing drinking water shortages in Delthota and would proceed as quickly as possible. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper highlighted recurrent flooding and irrigation failures affecting the Karavakuvattai paddy lands in Kalmunai, which he attributed to changes following the Gal Oya Dam, road reconstruction, altered drainage, and increased climate-related inflows. Citing agricultural and income data for Ampara and specific acreages of affected cultivation, he argued that the district’s farming economy is being significantly damaged by man-made infrastructure problems. He urged the Government to adopt as policy a long-term proposal, previously reflected in a JICA plan, to build a secondary downstream dam to regulate Gal Oya overflow, support irrigation and hydropower, and protect about 3,000 acres of paddy land. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir ACMC AI summary Hon. M.A.M. Thahir urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation to prioritize irrigation development and rehabilitation in the Ampara District, noting its major contribution to national paddy production through the Gal Oya scheme and Senanayake Samudraya. He called for deepening and upgrading Senanayake Samudraya, speedy technical assessments for flood-damaged bunds, canals and roads, rehabilitation of minor tanks, and implementation of the long-delayed Clan Oya project to expand cultivation and address drinking water shortages in Pottuvil. He also requested urgent action to fill vacancies in Tamil-language Agrarian Service Centres and Agricultural Research and Production Assistant posts, arguing that inadequate staffing hampers farmer support and national food production. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe — Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government has appointed a nine-member expert committee, with Cabinet approval, to review the “Urumaya” freehold title programme and recommend whether it should continue, be reformed or halted, including how to handle permits already issued. He outlined Budget allocations to regularize and complete stalled irrigation projects, citing Yan Oya, Uma Oya, Ellewewa, Lower Malwathu Oya and the North Central Province Canal, with about Rs. 60,000 million allocated overall for reservoir, canal, rehabilitation and related works. He also said land administration delays have left many people without deeds or permits, and that the Ministry intends to streamline titling processes while pursuing a national land policy and land-use plan. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan urged the Government to allocate grazing lands and release farmland and pasture areas controlled by the Forest Conservation and Wildlife Conservation Departments, as well as lands held by the military, warning that delays are harming livestock farmers and cultivation. He highlighted farmers’ financial distress, delayed paddy purchasing arrangements, crop losses from disasters, and risks from unsafe drying practices and expired agro-chemicals, calling for drying facilities and stronger chemical regulation. He also requested urgent implementation of reservoir-based drinking water schemes in Mannar, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya, citing unreliable groundwater, waterborne disease risks and kidney disease linked to poor water quality. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe said public opposition to the project reflects past experiences where similar initiatives burdened communities, and stated that the Government is proceeding cautiously through public engagement. He said environmental studies are being re-examined in consultation with the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Forest Department, and that further discussions with affected people will be held before proceeding. He assured that no multi-purpose or other project would be implemented if it harms people or the environment. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Dr. Susil Ranasinghe said the Government intends to address bottlenecks in irrigation projects, including the Wee Oya Reservoir project and other stalled projects nationwide. He stated that while environmental concerns and public opposition would be considered, the Government would proceed through discussions with affected communities, provide relief, and ensure fair treatment and justice in any necessary relocation. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera urged the Minister to ensure fair resettlement and compensation for villagers affected by a World Bank-supported development project, noting that proper assessments had been promised. He said affected small tea-holders want land in Nagastenna or nearby estates, preferably together as relatives and community members, and would not oppose the project if given clear assurances. He expressed support for development, flood-control and drinking-water projects, provided they are implemented without harming local people, and requested the Minister to visit the area, meet the affected group and resolve their concerns. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera stated that the project had advanced because consent had been granted. He emphasized support for implementing development plans. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Dr. Susil Ranasinghe noted that Hon. Kabir Hashim and another Member had raised the issue of the Wee Oya Reservoir. He sought clarification on whether the Member supported the reservoir’s construction and was requesting the Government to proceed with its implementation. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB AI summary Kabir Hashim raised concerns about the proposed Yatiyantota Wee Oya Reservoir Development Project, a World Bank-supported climate disaster mitigation initiative affecting communities in the Yatiyantota and Deraniyagala electorates. He said over 200 families face uncertainty over land acquisition, compensation, alternative land, livelihoods and resettlement support, particularly smallholder tea growers needing suitable replacement lands. He requested that the Ministry clarify whether and when the project will proceed and ensure officials communicate a fair compensation and resettlement mechanism to affected villagers. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleke SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleke urged the Government to address legal and practical concerns before proceeding with freehold land deeds under “Urumaya,” or a renamed programme, noting risks of land sales, tenancy concentration, and issues relating to paddy lands. He called for long-delayed amendments to land laws including the Land Development Ordinance, Land Acquisition Act, Registration of Title Act, and land use planning legislation, while also strengthening institutions and officials dealing with widespread land disputes. He further requested action for owners whose lands were acquired or restricted for stalled projects such as the Kelani Valley railway upgrade, Ruwanpura Expressway, and Habarana railway line, either by returning the lands or completing acquisition and paying compensation. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan urged the Government to prioritize the Mundeni Aru irrigation project, including linking the Urukamam and Kithul tanks, citing potential benefits for irrigation of about 25,000 acres, drinking water supply, inland fisheries, minor tanks, seed production and tourism, with possible AFD concessional funding and grants. He also called for enforcement of court orders to remove illegal settlers from the Mayilathamadu grazing lands used by traditional cattle herders. He further requested fair guaranteed prices, timely fertilizer support and compensation for farmers, and plans to capture floodwaters from tanks such as Kandyian Aru and Adaichakal to reduce flooding and support agriculture. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 12 March 2025 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha criticized the Government’s rice duty policy, arguing that maintaining the Rs. 65 duty and adding Rs. 10 benefited large millers rather than farmers or consumers, and said import duties should have been reduced during shortages to lower prices and regulate the market. He urged priority completion of the North Western Canal’s 12 km Bowathenna-Wemedilla tunnel, noting that USD 370 million is required for the project to deliver benefits. He also raised concerns about the egg industry and requested the removal of VAT on eggs, stating that there is limited value addition at most points of sale. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government reopened the Palaly–Achchuveli road after decades of closure and is reviewing other roads closed for security reasons, including in the North, East and South, for possible reopening after field assessments. On the airport-related road, he stated that the existing route cannot be opened because it passes through an Air Force base, but a southern alternative is planned using only Air Force land, with approvals obtained. He also said land permit issues in Manmunai North are being handled through due process, with leases currently issued and outright grants to be considered once rightful owners are verified. Adjournment Debate: Batticaloa Airport Land Acquisition and Release Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran addressed land issues arising from the 1985 acquisition of several Vavunativu DS Division villages for the expansion of Batticaloa Airport, noting compensation, lease-land arrears, lost documentation due to war and displacement, and ongoing steps to reissue documents and regularize alternative land allocations. He said the Government expects to resolve these long-pending issues while developing Batticaloa Airport to international standards with related transport, tourism, industry and export benefits for nearby communities. He also stated that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed the staged release of lands held by the armed forces and Police, particularly in the North and East, with details to be collected through District Development Committees and District Secretaries. Adjournment Debate: Batticaloa Airport Land Acquisition and Release Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam, speaking on the Adjournment Motion on deeds for alternative lands linked to the Batticaloa Airport expansion, raised related land issues in Vavuniya District. He requested the release of 231.67 acres acquired in 1985 for the Vavuniya Airport and SLAF Headquarters, noting their importance to the A9 corridor and town expansion. He also called for the release of public lands in Eechankulam now occupied by a camp and 14 acres in Kanakarayankulam allegedly occupied beyond the land formally released for an Army camp, including private land and a cremation ground. Adjournment Debate: Batticaloa Airport Land Acquisition and Release Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Requested the opening of the closed internal or fence-line path within the airport area to restore a shorter route for local people. He stated that residents now travel 2.5 kilometres with multiple bends instead of a direct 400-metre path, and asked that relief be provided on their behalf. Adjournment Debate: Batticaloa Airport Land Acquisition and Release Read →